Sailors Solutions Hook Knive

[Marc14857]

Headed on a three week trip to Maine next week and we are pretty well all set with spares etc. Was thinking of trying to purchase this hook knife below but wanted to know if anyone had any experience with it. If we were to pick up a pot, the Admiral would prefer (and I agree) that I not go into the water to free us up unless absolutely necessary. It looks like this product might be useful from the dinghy depending on the nature of how the line had us snagged. We will probably always be within a couple of miles from the shoreline so Tow Boat US is always an option but not covered under our towing policy.

Thanks
Marc

 

[Ron20324]

IIRC, it was Maine Sail who said to cut the pot, so as to not drag the whole line across the harbor.

Edit to add: That is, to not drag the whole (traught?) line across the harbor, not just the one pot that is snagged.

 

[capta]

It is my understanding that a lot of the lobster fishermen had gone to wire to minimize the losses from boats fouling their pots. If true, I doubt that hook will help.

 

[sesmith]

I ordered one a while ago. They have been backordered since last winter. The latest email I got from them said they expect shipment into their warehouse around July 17, and will fill orders asap. That probably won't be soon enough for your trip.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Some feedback here -
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f122/any-experience-with-the-hooknife-95211.html

 

[Rich Stidger]

Marc- I just answered your PM. Additionally, unless your prop is easily reached from a dinghy, you are going in the water. Unlike others I have found that it does work well on tightly wrapped lines. I also have a serrated line cutter on my prop-shaft, but that only works if one end is held fast to something. It has saved me numerous of times.
The hook knife really shines when you pick up a piece of warp that is just floating under the surface. The prop cutter won;t cut it because both ends are free and it can't pull the line tight across the cutting edge. So it just winds up around your prop and shaft. Using the hook knife you can reach some part of the line and rip. Keep it up and you soon have pieces that you can pull off.
Last week I picked up two pieces of warp and not wanting to go in the water I called Towboat US. A diver came out and cleared the lines. Only $568..... But my insurance did cover it.

 

[thinwater]

If it was your pot down there, would you cut the line? I always dive and untangle, and I have done this too many times. If the water is cold, a seaman would care a wetsuit, IMHO. A diver may not be available and safety may require work in the water. To me, being able to manage all contingencies defines being a sailor, and this is minor contingency.

Just sayin'.

 

[Roland5048]

When we pick up a crab trap or lobster pot here in Fl., (it's gonna happen) we try and pull the trap up enough to tie the line to a cleat. This takes the pressure off the line. At this point we may be able to get in the water, (yes, the water is warmer here) and unwrap the fouled line. If we do need to cut the line we can always retie it and send it on its' way. We really don't want any ghost traps down there. Besides, a ghost trap still has a line attached to it ready for the next hapless sailor. If you do have to pull a line, make sure to wear heavy gloves. A line that has been in the water awhile can do a number on your bare hands.

 

[capta]

If it was your pot down there, would you cut the line?

I'm sorry, I just don't see it that way.
If I was, wait a minute here, when I was a pot fisherman, we NEVER, EVER placed our pots in a marked navigable channel, period. That way we minimized the possibility of loss and left some room for other traffic (you mean there are other people allowed to use the waters where we fish?) to go by. Anyway the CG would fine us (a big fine for obstructing a fairway), because out west they did their job of keeping the channels clear.
I have zero care for the gear of fishermen who do not leave a clear fairway in a marked channel, zero. I also have spurs which will even cut light wire, so I have little fear that their rudeness will cause me much hassle. Maybe if they loose enough gear they will get the idea that others have the right to clear passage in a marked navigable channel.

 

[njlarry]

Totally agree with Capta! If they really gave a crap about losing a trap they would keep them out of the traffic and mark them better too. Everytime a careless waterman gets his poorly placed, poorly marked, trap wrapped on a prop, that vessel and crew are placed at risk.

 

[thinwater]

The OP did NOT limit catching lines to the channel. I think you are assassinating a straw man. Outside the channel, so long as we buy crabs and lobsters in markets and eateries, we are not just permitting but also condoning the pots. Unless you swear to never consume crab or lobster.

Inside a marked channel I agree. It's equivalent to a fine for a violation.

 

[SG]

In Maine, you're sailing in their hunting ground. The pots (with the dreaded toggles) almost always are exactly in narrow channels. You just try to avoid them. The vast majority of times, if you try, you'll be successful; however, eventually you'll catch one.

As for complaining to a lobster man in Maine, you've got to be kidding :^))) They aren't amused. You're yachting, they're trying to feed their family.

I agree with the approach that it's not very nice, sensible, etc. -- but that's just the way it is up there.

[I'm leaving Annapolis for SW Harbour late on Thursday night. About 20 nm out (sometimes farther) I expect to be seeing the first clumps of pots on Monday morning. As you sail along when you suddenly see a couple of them in 250', or more, of water pass within a half a boat length a night, you realize you're lucky you don't snag one. If you're motoring, it can be a mess. Usually if you're sailing, you can work your way loose. But not always. At night, you just have to have faith and hope -- or luck.]